PULSE 4/3/2026: Presidents Corner

Colleagues:

I am deeply honored to serve as the next President of the Medical Society of the State of New York. This appointment represents the culmination of more than 20 years of engagement in our Society—from county leadership, serving as a delegate to the MSSNY House of Delegates and 7^th District Councilor, to fulfilling responsibilities as Assistant Treasurer, Treasurer, and now ascending to the presidential track. It is a journey that has strengthened my commitment to our profession, our patients, and the principles of ethical, evidence-based medicine.

Throughout my tenure as Treasurer, I focused on transparency and clarity, making our financial statements more accessible and understandable, standardized documents for the House, Council, and Board of Trustees, and ensured that budgetary decisions reflected MSSNY’s available resources. As Chair of the Legislative and Physician Advocacy Committee, I strived to produce concise, factual policy free of political influence. Physicians exist to serve patients and uphold the integrity of our profession, not to advance partisan ideologies.

Founded in 1807, MSSNY has consistently championed the health of New Yorkers by fostering an environment in which physicians, residents, and medical students can thrive. We have promoted professionalism, addressed disparities in care, protected the doctor-patient relationship, and advocated for a physician-led healthcare team. Our mission has always been clear: to advance the health of the residents of our state by promoting a favorable environment for medicine through advocacy, education, and professional community for New York State physicians.

As President, I will continue to uphold this mission. I believe our Society’s role is not only to respond to the challenges of today but to anticipate the needs of tomorrow. From healthcare policy and reimbursement to professional development and ethical oversight, MSSNY stands as a pillar of guidance and advocacy.

This year, my focus will be on several critical priorities: advocating for malpractice reform to protect physicians and patients alike, preserving physician-led care teams to maintain quality outcomes, addressing the broken reimbursement system, combating unnecessary administrative burdens, embracing technology responsibly, and fighting medical misinformation. Each of these issues reflects our overarching responsibility: ensuring that New Yorkers have access to high-quality, timely, and affordable healthcare.

Yet our work would not succeed in isolation. MSSNY thrives because of the dedication of its members, volunteers, and staff. Every policy discussion, every advocacy initiative, and every educational program is enriched by the active participation of our community. Together, we amplify the voice of the profession, ensuring that policy decisions reflect the realities faced by physicians and the patients they serve.

In leading MSSNY, I am guided by a simple principle: serve the profession with integrity, serve patients with dedication, and maintain the highest standards of transparency and accountability. This approach allows us to address pressing challenges while building trust within the medical community and the public. By fostering collaboration, encouraging engagement, and emphasizing evidence-based solutions, MSSNY will continue to be a source of leadership, support, and advocacy for physicians across New York.

I am grateful to every member who has contributed to MSSNY’s success over the years, and I look forward to working alongside all of you in the upcoming year. Our journey is ongoing, and together, with shared commitment and purpose, we will strive to build a professional community that stands as a model for physician advocacy, patient-centered care, and principled leadership to ensure that our patients receive the highest quality of care.

All the best,

Mark J. Adams, MD, MBA, FACR.
MSSNY President